WHY?? A healthy forest reflects our commitment to the well-being of our members and our natural environment.

 

Rationale: Many long-time members of the community can recall the deer-related incidents that were prevalent before deer management began. In 2004, according to USDA Wildlife Services, there were 239 deer-related incidents. In 2025/2026, this number was 3.

 

Deceased deer were often found around the community because they had died of starvation, non-reported vehicle collisions, etc.(164 carcasses in 2004 vs. 0 in 2025/2026). Finally, deer had devastated the forest understory for the other wildlife species that depended on it.

 

Now that the deer population is consistently managed at sustainable levels (at amounts determined through standardized scientific methods), the herd is not overpopulating in Hemlock Farms and the health of our forest’s understory has improved. Members have seen a drastic reduction in deer-vehicle collisions and healthier deer overall.

 

Managing the deer population can also help combat chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is spreading throughout other areas of the state.

 

Community approval of this proposition will continue to promote diversity and the health of our forested ecosystem.